The UK’s data watchdog has seized computers from two houses over the leaked CCTV footage of Matt Hancock kissing his aide.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating how the images, which led to the resignation of the former health secretary, came to be published.
It said the EMCOR Group, which manages the security cameras at the health department, reported a data breach alleging the images were taken from the system without their or the department’s consent.
Investigators have confirmed they raided two houses in the south of England on Thursday and seized ‘personal computer equipment and electronic devices’.
The Department of Health and Social Care previously said a CCTV camera was installed in Hancock’s office as part of renovations in 2017 – but the minister was said to be unaware of it.
The leak prompted security concerns in Whitehall and new health secretary Sajid Javid said the camera has now been switched off.
The ICO said the alleged breach falls under Section 170 of the Data Protection Act 2018, however, it does include the defence of ‘public interest’ under certain circumstances.
Steve Eckersley, of the ICO, said: ‘It’s vital that all people, which includes the employees of government departments and members of the public who interact with them, have trust and confidence in the protection of their personal data.
‘In these circumstances, the ICO aims to react swiftly and effectively to investigate where there is a risk that other people may have unlawfully obtained personal data.
‘We have an ongoing investigation and will not be commenting further until it is concluded.’
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW OUR NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
[sibwp_form id=4]
